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parco

sparing

adjective PAHR-koh Rare

Origin: Latin parcus (sparing, frugal).

Also means

frugal, restrained

Usage Note

Parco describes someone who uses or says very little — parco en palabras (a person of few words) or parco en elogios (stingy with praise). It is not a synonym of pobre (poor) or escaso (scarce), but specifically implies deliberate self-restraint or reluctance to give or express. In culinary contexts it can describe a light or meagre portion. The feminine form is parca (la Parca is also a literary name for Death, the Fate who cuts the thread of life).

Examples

"Era parco en palabras pero sabio en consejos."

Natural Translation

He was sparing with words but wise in advice.

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